How to Screen Mirror on an LG TV?

Screen mirroring on an LG TV allows you to display your smartphone, tablet, or computer screen directly onto your television, making it easy to share photos, videos, presentations, or simply enjoy mobile content on a larger display.

Method 1: Using Your Smartphone's Built-in Screen Share Feature (Android Devices)

The most common and straightforward way to screen mirror to an LG TV, especially from an Android smartphone, is by utilizing the device's built-in screen sharing capabilities, often referred to as "Screen Share," "Smart View," "Cast," or "Wireless Display."

Step-by-Step Guide for Android Smartphones:

Follow these simple steps to cast your screen:

1. Access Quick Settings: On your smartphone, swipe down from the top of the screen to open the [Notifications] panel or Quick Settings menu.
2. Select Screen Share: Look for and select an option like [Screen Share], "Smart View," "Cast," "Wireless Display," or "Screen Mirroring." The exact name may vary depending on your phone's manufacturer (e.g., Samsung uses Smart View, Google Pixel uses Cast).
3. Choose Your LG TV: From the list of available external devices that appears on your phone's [Screen Share] screen, select your LG TV. Ensure both your phone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
4. Accept Request on TV: A message will appear on your LG TV screen asking to accept the screen share request. Select [Yes] to confirm and begin mirroring your device's screen.

Once connected, your smartphone's display will appear on your LG TV. You can then navigate your phone as usual, and the content will be mirrored in real-time.

Important Notes for Android Users:

• Miracast Technology: This method typically relies on Miracast technology, which is widely supported by LG Smart TVs and most Android devices.
• Device Compatibility: Ensure your Android phone supports wireless display or screen mirroring. Most modern Android devices do.
• Network Connection: For a stable connection, both your smartphone and LG TV should be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. A strong, stable network connection is crucial for smooth mirroring.

Method 2: Screen Mirroring from iOS Devices (AirPlay 2)

Newer LG Smart TVs (typically 2018 models and later) support Apple AirPlay 2, allowing seamless screen mirroring from iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

Steps for iOS Devices:

1. Ensure Compatibility: Verify your LG TV supports AirPlay 2.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi: Ensure your iOS device and LG TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Open Control Center: On your iPhone or iPad, swipe down from the top-right corner (for iPhone X or later and iPad with iOS 12 or later) or swipe up from the bottom edge (for iPhone 8 or earlier and iOS 11 or earlier) to open the Control Center.
4. Select Screen Mirroring: Tap the [Screen Mirroring] icon (two overlapping rectangles).
5. Choose Your LG TV: Select your LG TV from the list of available devices.
6. Enter Passcode (if prompted): If a passcode appears on your TV screen, enter it on your iOS device.

Your iOS device's screen will now be mirrored on your LG TV. You can also use AirPlay to stream specific content (like videos from apps) directly to the TV without mirroring the entire screen.

Method 3: Using the LG ThinQ App (SmartShare)

The LG ThinQ app, available for both Android and iOS, can also facilitate content sharing, though it primarily focuses on casting media files rather than full screen mirroring. Some older LG TVs used an app called "SmartShare" for this purpose.

How to Use the LG ThinQ App for Media Sharing:

1. Download and Install: Download the LG ThinQ app from your device's app store.
2. Connect to TV: Open the app and follow the instructions to connect it to your LG Smart TV. Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Browse and Share Content: Within the app, you can browse photos, videos, and music stored on your phone and then select them to play directly on your LG TV.

While not true screen mirroring, the ThinQ app offers convenient control and media sharing capabilities.

Troubleshooting Common Screen Mirroring Issues

If you encounter problems while trying to screen mirror, consider these tips:

• Network Connection:
  • Ensure both your phone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Check for a strong Wi-Fi signal for both devices. Weak signals can cause lag or disconnections.
  • Restart your router, TV, and smartphone to refresh network connections.
• TV Settings:
  • On your LG TV, ensure the "Screen Share" or "Miracast" feature is enabled. You can usually find this in the TV's network or connection settings.
  • Make sure your TV's software is up to date. Outdated firmware can cause compatibility issues.
• Device Compatibility:
  • Confirm your smartphone model supports screen mirroring (most modern smartphones do).
  • For AirPlay, ensure your LG TV model is compatible with AirPlay 2.
• Interference:
  • Move other wireless devices (like cordless phones, microwaves) away from your TV and router, as they can interfere with the Wi-Fi signal.

By following these steps and troubleshooting tips, you should be able to successfully screen mirror your device to your LG TV and enjoy your content on the big screen.